A lot of people use the terms vertigo and dizziness interchangeably. Although both share similar symptoms, they do have unique components that set them apart. In Norton Shores MI vertigo relief is as essential as a reprieve from dizziness.

This article will cover the basics of dizziness and vertigo. We will also look into possible solutions that can relieve discomfort.

Achieving Balance

The first thing we need to find out is how we can maintain equilibrium. Multiple parts of our body work seamlessly to keep us balanced. Among other things, the eyes, ears, arms, feet, and spine need to be aligned so that our brain can process everything properly. 

Our brain processes sensory inputs from the following:

• Eyes

Our eyes play a critical role in confirming how we need to position ourselves to match our environment. If we are walking, then the rest of the body receives a signal to maintain an upright position. If we are driving a car, then we need to maintain a sitting position. 

• Ears

The ears, particularly the inner section, serves as the balance center of our body. Aptly referred to as the labyrinth, this small area has structures made from bones and membranes. A fluid-like substance wraps the layers and serves as a cushion for any movement.

• Skin 

What the eyes see is paired with the skin's pressure to determine the correct stance and establish balance. If your eyes signal that you are walking, then the skin on your feet should feel the weight of your entire body. This confirms that the messages are correct, so the brain can send the proper signals to the other body parts to make this action a reality.

• Nerves

Our body communicates using billions of nerves. This message relay system passes through the spine to get to every part of our body from the brain. If we are walking, the correct message should trigger the forward movement of the feet. The directive to the arms should keep them from flailing as well.

As you can see, our body completes numerous functions to keep us balanced. Regardless if we are aware of them or not, they do happen. If something goes awry, no matter how seemingly insignificant it might be, it messes up the entire system, which can throw us off balance.

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and vertigo, download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.

An Overview Of Vertigo

Vertigo triggers dizziness through the whirling sensation that can be overwhelming and worrisome. You would know that vertigo has set in when you notice that the world is spinning uncontrollably. A person coping with vertigo often tries to reach for something tangible to stop the rotation. The reality is that the perceived movement is not happening. To residents of Norton Shores MI vertigo relief is more likely when they understand the causes.

So, what causes vertigo? Here are the likely culprits

• Trauma

Any event that can impact the ears, head, or neck can trigger vertigo. This is quite obvious in cases of accidents leading to bodily injury or contact sports, resulting in blows to the head. 

When trauma results in a blood flow reduction that affects oxygen supply to the brain, it can lead to vertigo.

A bathroom slip that caused you to land on your backside is unlikely to cause trauma. There might not even be any visible bodily. However, the impact of your fall might have reverberated through your spine. Also, the effects could have reached your ears.  

• Migraines.

An episode triggers muscle tension in the head and neck. A migraine attack can also make the person feel sensitive towards light, so a bright room or light flashes may trip balance.

• Ear conditions

Disorders that affect the inner ears can trigger vertigo. Meniere's disease is a common condition caused by an increase in the fluid retained around the inner ears. The additional volume increases the pressure applied to the delicate structures in the inner ears, which causes ringing sounds and vertigo. 

Another ear condition triggers vertigo because it is included in its medical term - Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. This happens when some particles in the inner ear get dislodged and dropped to the fluid-like sections. These minuscule soft cartilage particles irritate the inner ears and set off vertigo.

According to upper cervical chiropractors in Norton Shores MI vertigo relief options are available after assessing these factors.

An Overview Of Dizziness

A person who complains of dizziness feels faint or lightheaded. We now know that vertigo can cause dizziness. There are other contributors aside from vertigo, though.

Some triggers are:

• Pre-existing medical conditions

Certain illnesses can cause imbalance. A stroke survivor might not have full capabilities in some extremities. As such, the person may sway when he moves and feel dizzy as a result. Someone with hypoglycemia might feel dizzy in cases of low blood sugar.

• Stress

Stress brought about by taking on so many things at the same time can leave a person feeling winded and dizzy. 

• Environment

Some people feel dizzy when dealing with weather or temperature changes. Getting inside a cold room after being out in the sun for some time can throw you off.

• Prescription medicines

Some people may feel dizzy as a result of taking their medications. When this happens, please consult a healthcare professional immediately.

• Sudden movements

Waking up abruptly after realizing you are late is a common cause of dizziness. Any sudden change in movement jolts your body. When this happens, your body lodges a formal complaint in the form of a dizzying spell.

As you can see, some of these cases do not warrant any worry. On the other hand, a few might require a visit to your healthcare professional.

Available Relief Options 

Now that we know that these two are different, let us look into the available relief options. In Norton Shores MI vertigo relief is possible through prescription medication. The same thing goes for the more persistent cases of dizziness.

If you are looking for a more natural approach, you might want to consider upper cervical chiropractic care. Dr. Jeffrey Zehr and Dr. Jared Plemon, our chiropractors here at Zehr Chiropractic, have been providing care to people who complain of vertigo and dizziness.

Both Dr. Zehr and Dr. Plemon complete full evaluations of the neck to check for misalignment cases. A misaligned neck causes some bones to be too close to each other, resulting in increased pressure and narrower pathways in the affected area. As a result, vertigo or dizziness starts.

Our chiropractors adopt techniques to coax the neck to realign gently. A realigned neck relieves pressure and restores normal pathways, which can alleviate any discomfort brought about by vertigo and dizziness. Please schedule your appointment with us. We can find out if a misaligned case is causing the pain. By providing you with upper cervical chiropractic care, we may improve your well-being.

To schedule a complimentary Atlas Orthogonal consultation, call 231-780-9900 or just click the button below.

If you are outside of the local area, you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.